Best Women’s Surfing Wetsuits of 2024

Author: Julianne Greco | Updated: Nov 5, 2023
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The Short Version

Best Overall: Patagonia R-Series
Best Overall Runner-up: Billabong Furnace Comp Chest Zip
Best Heavy Duty: Xcel Drylock Series
Best Springsuit: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 2mm
Best Long Jane: Kassia 2mm Not So Long Jane
Best Jacket: Dakine Mission 1mm
Best Warm Water Set: Atmosea Crop Vest & High Waist Briefs

The Long Version

A wetsuit is an essential piece of gear for most surfers and depending on where you typically surf, you’ll probably need a couple of different kinds with seasonal water changes.

The main function of wetsuits is thermal insulation, i.e., keeping you warm in colder water. A good wetsuit will seal well and keep water out, so you don’t get flushed through the neck, sleeve, or leg openings and start to puff up like an inflatable doll. They also can serve as a layer of protection to guard your skin against abrasive wax and sharp coral reefs.

Ultimately, the best wetsuit for you is dependent on the conditions you’re surfing in. You want your wetsuit to be sufficiently insulating without compromising mobility — which can be a hard balance to strike. In this guide, we highlight the women’s wetsuits that do it the best, offering up wetsuit recommendations for all occasions, whether you’re paddling out in the snow or catching waves in tropical waters.

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Best Overall Steamer: PATAGONIA R-SERIES

MATERIALS: Yulex, recycled nylon, recycled spandex lining, 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content

FEATURES: Solvent-free/water-based glue, chest zip with internal gasket, corrosion-proof zipper

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Made in fair-trade certified factory, extremely durable, repair policy, eco-friendly neoprene-free construction, key-loop, dries fast

CONS: Relatively expensive

The Patagonia Women’s R-Series wetsuit is eco-friendly, comfortable, and extremely durable. In our book, this makes it the ultimate steamer on the women’s surf wetsuit market. No neoprene here, Patagonia is committed to sustainability and features Yulex natural rubber construction, setting it apart as the most eco-friendly wetsuit out there.

But there are no compromises in performance or quality in the name of sustainability. The lining, made from 100% recycled spandex, efficiently packs in the heat during cold winter surfs. An asymmetrical front zip with an internal gasket seals out water and makes getting in and out as easy as you can reasonably expect from a wetsuit. The Supratex kneepads and ankle cuffs are flexible, durable, and cozy. Speaking of durability, the zipper is corrosion-proof and uniquely replaceable so you can extend your wetsuit’s life even if the zipper fails.

And you can make that life even longer thanks to Patagonia’s impressive repair center. They do wetsuit warranty repairs covering anything that appears to have failed under normal use like a blown seam or broken zipper. They also offer non-warranty repairs for a reasonable fee, like $20 for a fin cut, $40 for a shoulder panel replacement, and $80 for a full panel replacement.

You can get the R-Series in just about any thickness range for your water temperature needs. The series starts at R1 Lite at 2mm thickness for 65°-75°F water and goes all the way up to R4 which is a 5.5/4mm thickness and suited for frosty 38°-48°F surfs.

It may come in more expensive than some of the other options in this guide, but due to its long lifespan, great quality, impressive eco credentials, and high level of performance and comfort, this women’s wetsuit outranks them all for us.

Best Overall Runner-up: BILLABONG FURNACE COMP CHEST ZIP

MATERIALS: Partially recycled neoprene. 70% Recycled Nylon, 19% Nylon, 11% Elastane.

FEATURES: Lightweight Smart Foam, machine-applied Superflex neo tape for inner seams, lining from Airlite 4D infused with Billabong Graphene fibers, chest-zip entry

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Extended heat retention, durable construction, lightweight

CONS: Heavier than the Patagonia R-Series

Of the names in big corporate surf, we find that Billabong produces one of the best overall steamer wetsuits out there and increasingly boast some impressive eco-attributes.

The Billabong Women’s Furnace Comp Chest Zip steamer suit is a comfy heat-holding cold-water surfing option that comes in a couple of thicknesses. This women’s surfing wetsuit is made from top-notch, durable materials and feels like it’s built to last.

We highly rate the 3/2mm thickness for those cold-but-not-freezing fall surfs. The front-zip design locks you in and shuts out the water and it’s one of the easier wetsuits to paddle in that we have tried.

The suit’s super lightweight Smart Foam is limestone-based, comprised of 30% recycled car tires, recycled scrap rubber, and recycled oyster shells. The Airlite 4D stretch jersey infused with Billabong’s graphene tech is made with 100% recycled fibers. Graphene is a Nobel-Prize-winning “wonder material” composed of a hexagonal lattice formed by a single layer of carbon atoms. Having this in your wetsuit translates to warming up more quickly and longer heat retention.

The wetsuit’s lining feels fleecy to the touch and gives the suit its “furnace” descriptor. The seams are fully externally welded and combined with Superflex Neo-taped internal seams for a smooth, sealed finish.

It also doesn’t hurt that every season, Billabong releases a new line of color and pattern variations in the suit, so it comes in some cool styles to add a splash of personality to your wetsuit-ware.

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Best Heavy Duty: XCEL DRYLOCK SERIES

MATERIALS: 100% stretch neoprene, poly fleece lining

FEATURES: Channel Flex tech, Ultra Stretch infrared, semi-dry zipper system with magnetic closure, Drylock wrist seals, Fusion X seam tape

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Super warm, goes up to 6/5mm, complementary hoods, boots, and gloves in Drylock line, eco-oriented

CONS: Often on backorder

If you surf 55°F and below, then Xcel wetsuits should definitely be on your radar. There doesn’t seem to be a warmer women’s surfing wetsuit out there for frosty paddles than the Xcel Drylock Series. These heavy-duty suits make bone-chilling and skin-numbing surfs will be as bearable as they possibly can be.

Xcel’s patented Celliant Black technology used in the Drylock series weaves a heat-retaining element into the fiber. It works so well, you can even surf the Arctic Circle wearing this thing. The brand’s gridded material, Channel Flex technology is ultra lightweight and hydrophobic to minimize both fiber and water weight. The suit’s chest zip and impermeable Fusion X seam taper. The result is a warm and protective, yet super unrestrictive, suit for top performance in frigid conditions.

The women’s Drylock line comes different thicknesses, including 4/3, 5/4, and 5.5/4.5. There is even goes up to a 6/5 hooded version for winter surfing in cold climates. However, prepare for the possibility of facing a backorder situation as these wetsuits tend to sell out frequently. You may find yourself waiting a season for certain sizes and models to get back in stock.

Performance and pushing the boundaries of technology is core to Xcel’s design philosophy. The brand’s research & development team is constantly testing and trying new innovations out of Hawaii, so regular construction updates seem to be keeping them ahead of the pack. Xcel also has a Drylock X Series which updates a few features like swapping its semi-dry zipper out for a 100% waterproof one and moving from blind-stitched seams to a “stitch-free power seam”. But good luck finding a Drylock X Series suit, as they seem to be even more elusive than the flagship Drylock Series line.

The brand’s impact-minimizing efforts are also worth noting. Xcel ditches the processed petrochemicals by using earth-mined limestone and recycled oyster shells in their neoprene.

Best Springsuit: RIP CURL DAWN PATROL 2MM

MATERIALS: E5 Ultralite Neoprene

FEATURES: Flatlock seams, back zip, E-stitch high stretch seams

PRICE: $

PROS: Very light, super flexible, internal key stash pocket, easy entry/exit

CONS: Less eco-friendly than some other options, no fastener for zipper cover

The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 2mm Springsuit with long sleeves and short legs is a thin, flexible shorty that we love for colder surfs in warmer locales. This suit is just enough to keep your upper body and core warm when Lycra won’t cut it, but you don’t want to be overheated in a steamer.

The Dawn Patrol 2mm Springsuit is part of Rip Curl’s surf capsule collection that you’ll see stocked in surf shops year after year. The latest edition is made with the surf giant’s E5 Neoprene, which boasts 30% more stretch, 20% less weight, and is 10% warmer than their E4. And yes, Rip Curl still uses synthetic neoprene, so despite being budget-friendly this certainly isn’t the most earth-friendly option on the market.

Entry into the Dawn Patrol is via a back-zip featuring an adjustable velcro seal. We like the back-zip on this suit because you don’t feel the zipper line at all when paddling and it’s always great to have closer chest contact with the board. The velcro on the neck opening lets you seal the suit as tightly as you need, which we like overall, but with some caveats. First, there’s no fastener holding the velcro down, so even though it’s tight-gripping velcro, there’s still a chance it can move during your session. Secondly, if you’ve got a bigger neck or chest area and have it on a looser setting, your hair can get caught in the velcro if you’re not careful.

That said, this wetsuit is one of the lightest 2mm we’ve come across with a generous amount of stretch that facilitates paddle mobility. If you’re on the hunt for high value shorty, it’s worth trying on for size.

Best Long Jane: KASSIA 2MM NOT SO LONG JANE

MATERIALS: Limestone and eco carbon neoprene

FEATURES: Fabric knee pads, shoulder closure with velcro snap, 3/4 legs, double-blind stitch and glued seams, smoothie V over chest and back, thermal heat infrared lining

PRICE: $$

PROS: Leg design to minimize waterlogging, great closure design, stash pocket with key loop

CONS: Below average durability

In contrast to a shorty, a long jane feels just right when you want to keep your core and legs warm but free your shoulders and arms. The Kassia 2mm Not So Long Jane does just that, and it does it well. We like to pull out the long jane during cooler, slower sessions when a lot of time is spent sitting on the board at moments when the surf’s not exactly pumping.

With a 3/4 leg length, the suit hits just above the ankle to minimize waterlogging so you don’t end up looking like the Michelin Man on a surfboard. Fabric knee pads lend support and durability to the suit’s knees. A smooth V over the chest and back looks flattering and is functional with a thermal heat infrared lining.

Getting in and out is on the simple side for a wetsuit, with a solid shoulder closure that has a stainless-steel snap and is reinforced with velcro. Materials-wise, Kassia keeps it environmentally conscious by using a combination of natural limestone and eco-carbon neoprene.

While we love the fit, style, function, and ethical considerations of this suit, its biggest drawback is that it may not last you as many seasons as some other contenders. However, proper wetsuit care can help extend its lifespan.

Best Jacket: DAKINE MISSION 1MM

MATERIALS: Neoprene and jersey

FEATURES: front-zip, flat-locked seam, seam-free panels on side, rolled-arm seals, FLX Thermo tech lining, glideskin with adjustable waist

PRICE: $

PROS: flexible, effective seals at wrist, comfortable, key pocket, boardshort connector, eco-conscious, flattering cinched-in waist

CONS: Runs small, need to size up

Whether you want to throw it on over a long jane or even just a good ol’ swimsuit, a wetsuit jacket is a useful addition to any surf wardrobe. We love starting a cooler summer session or tropical dawn patrol with a zipped-up jacket, then when the sun comes up or we’ve already warmed up enough, open that jacket up. The Dakine Mission 1mm wetsuit jacket nails it with its comfortable, flexible, and thoughtful design.

Dakine uses a blend of carbon neoprene foam consisting of recycled rubber from discarded car tires and their brand’s stretchy, insulating FLX Thermo jersey for its lining. A solvent free lamination adheres the jersey to the neoprene.

The Mission’s flatlock stitches save your skin from those annoying seam indentations that can form when wearing tight materials. Seamless panels on the sides prevent rashing and further contribute to the jacket’s comfy fit. The adjustable waist is paired with glideskin, a single-lined neoprene, to help everything stay in place.

Watch out for the sizing, however, as this jacket runs small. We recommend sizing up from what you wear in most other brands.

Best Warm Water Set: ATMOSEA CROP VEST & HIGH WAIST BRIEFS

MATERIALS: Japanese Yamamoto chloroprene limestone neoprene, nylon

FEATURES: “adjustable arm length,” high-waisted cut, mock turtleneck, smoothie panels on front and back

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Versatile mix & match, soft, eco-conscious, stylish

CONS: Expensive shipping since Australian-based

Take one look at their funky color mixes and it’s clear that Atmosea, a cottage-style brand out of Australia, is not for the conventional. We’re big fans of how they play with cuts and offer different shapes than a lot of other surf brands. They bring a 2mm two-piece set to the women’s ‘wettie’ scene with their Atmosea Crop Vest & High Waist Briefs.

Like with the wetsuit jacket, we like having this set in our surf apparel quiver for the versatility they provide. When not sporting them as a set, you can wear the crop top over regular swimwear bottoms, pair it with surf leggings, or layer it with a long jane. Whereas the bottoms you can use with any surf top, rash guard, or wetsuit jacket. We reach for this set during early morning surfs or sunrise sessions in warmer waters.

As a brand, Atmosea emphasizes lower-impact practices and materials. They ditch traditional neoprene in favor of Japanese Yamamoto chloroprene rubber, derived from limestone. In terms of performance, this isn’t a sacrifice as the material feels lighter and more flexible and is efficient at holding heat. Both the bottoms and top incorporate smoothie panels for wind protection, increased warmth, and flexibility. The arms are “adjustable” in length, thanks to three different stitched levels on the sleeve, indicating where you can cut the fabric to shorten them.

Like Dakine, Atmosea is another brand to consider sizing up for, as its pieces tend to run small.

BUYING ADVICE FOR WOMEN’S SURFING WETSUITS

Thickness

What are those numbers you keep seeing popping up when wetsuit shopping? What’s a 5/4 and how about a 3/2? Wetsuits are typically categorized by their thickness in millimeters. For colder-water suits, manufacturers often make the core thicker for insulation purposes but use one less millimeter on the arms and legs for mobility, facilitating paddling. When you see two numbers separated by a forward slash in a wetsuit’s name, the first number refers to the thickness of the suit’s core area, while the second reflects the thickness in the limbs. In other cases, you’ll see three numbers like a 5/4/3 when the legs and arms are different — this would indicate 5mm around the torso, 4mm around the legs, and 3mm in the arms. Sometimes, wetsuits are the same thickness throughout the whole body, so in that instance, you’ll just see one number in the product’s name.

So, what thickness do you need? Most brands will provide recommended water temperatures on their product listings. Evo has a thorough guide that is also worth checking out. But generally, you’d want a 6/5 for 42°F and below, a 5/4 for 43°-52°F, a 3/4-5/4 for 52°-58°F, a 3/2-4/3 for 58°-63°F, 2-3/2 for 62°-68°F, and a jacket, top, or springsuit for 65°-75°F. Any warmer than that, and you’re probably good in just a rashguard.

But keep in mind that these ranges are not absolute: some people run warmer than others, while others are more sensitive to the cold, so your personal preferences must also be considered.

ADD-ONS: The colder the water, the more you’re going to want covered at all costs. That’s where hoods, booties, and gloves come in. Boots can be good for 58-63°F and below, while you’ll probably want hoods and gloves for 58°F and below.

Styles

Wetsuits come in a variety of styles. Here are the most common cuts to look for when shopping for women’s wetties.

STEAMER: Steamer wetsuits have full-length legs and long-sleeves, providing coverage and insulation all the way to the ankles and wrists.

SPRINGSUIT: Springsuits, or shorty wetsuits, come in a variety of silhouettes. They can have short to long-sleeved arms and either no pant-legs or short legs.

LONG JANE: Lang jane wetsuits have long, full-length legs and are sleeveless up top to keep you warm without sacrificing any shoulder mobility for paddling.

JACKET: Wetsuit jackets usually have long sleeves extending to the wrists and a front zip. They allow you to keep you core warm while still rocking board shorts.

Entry/Exit

These are the most common forms of ways to get in and out of your wetsuit.

FRONT ZIP: Because laying on a zipper while paddling isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing in the world and a front zipper can be prone to flushing, we only like this style for jackets and springsuits when the water’s not as cold.

BACK ZIP: Zippers running from the base of the back up to the neck are a step-up from front-zips in terms of comfort and mobility. We prefer them for springsuits and warmer water designs. They’re also easier to get in and out of.

CHEST ZIP: Wetsuits with the zipper on the upper chest near your shoulder have become the standard for steamers because they allow for greater flexibility and insulation than the other styles. Chest zip wetsuits are harder to put on and take off, but the warmth factor cannot be beaten.

For more on wetsuit zipper styles, check out this comprehensive guide from Surfer Today weighing their respective pros and cons.

Seams

Wetsuit seams are not all made equal, and you’ll see a lot of terms get thrown around like flatlock stitching, sealed, taped, and more. Seams can have a big impact on your wetsuit’s insulation, as stitching literally punches holes in the fabric, which can let water in. Here are the essentials you need to know when shopping for surfing wetsuits:

FLATLOCK STITCHING: This is the basic sewing method akin to what you'd find on your everyday jeans and t-shirts. Flatlock stitching involves rolling the two edges of the wetsuit panels inward and stitching them together. While cost-effective, this technique tends to offer less flexibility and can create an uncomfortable bulge on the inside of the wetsuit. As a result, you'll typically encounter this seam type in more affordable wetsuits or those designed for warm-weather use.

GLUED AND BLIND-STICHED (GBS): This is the prevailing seam in cold water surfing. In this method, the edges of the panels are adhered together, aligned from one end to the other, and subsequently stitched on the interior of the neoprene material. The stitching does not extend all the way through to the exterior of the panels. This results in a seam that is not only completely waterproof but also exceptionally flexible.

TAPED: This seam type is known for its extended durability. An elastic tape is integrated into either the interior or exterior of the wetsuit's seams, adding an additional layer of sealing, and it's typically the most resilient type of sealing method. Since the tape is generally the least stretchable component of the seam, it naturally absorbs the stresses and strains caused by the body's movements.

For a deeper dive into wetsuit seam types, Wetsuit Warehouse has a handy blog breaking it down.

Materials & Eco Considerations

CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION: Most surfing wetsuits are primarily nylon-lined neoprene construction.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material known for its excellent insulation properties and flexibility, allowing surfers to stay warm and maneuver comfortably in the water.

The nylon jersey lining makes the wetsuit feel more comfortable on your skin, is flexible, and is another factor that makes getting in and out easier with the fabric’s “glide.”

ECO INNOVATIONS: Conventional neoprene doesn’t biodegrade, as it is a petrochemical-derived fabric. For these reasons, there is a growing demand for non-traditional wetsuit constructions.

Limestone neoprene is one such alternative material that uses less energy to produce and is biodegradable. However, limestone is still a non-renewable resource, so while better for the environment than old-school neoprene, it’s still not the most planet-friendly choice out there.

Yulex rubber is the leading sustainable alternative to neoprene thanks to its impressive performance and the fact that it does not rely on non-renewable resources and heavy carbon-emitting industrial processes. Unlike neoprene, which is manufactured in factories, Yulex is natural rubber that is sourced from trees that actively absorb carbon through their lifespans. You can read up more on Yulex here.

Fit & Sizing

As it goes in the women’s fashion industry, there is no actual universal sizing standard from brand to brand when shopping for women’s wetsuits. As a result, it’s important to look at different brands’ size guides, and measurements, and best yet, try it on before you buy when you can.

Wetsuits are designed to be a “second skin,” meaning they’re going to fit snug, especially when you get into them on dry land. Remember that once you hit the water, the fabric will stretch and offer more give — but how much varies between different constructions.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What material are the best women’s wetsuits made from? The standard wetsuit construction is nylon-lined neoprene, but there are high-performing, more eco-friendly alternatives out there like Yulex rubber.

What thickness of wetsuit do I need? The thickness of your wetsuit will depend on what water temperature you’re surfing in, but generally, you’d want a 6/5 for 42°F and below, a 5/4 for 43°-52°F, a 3/4-5/4 for 52°-58°F, a 3/2-4/3 for 58°-63°F, 2-3/2 for 62°-68°F, and a jacket, top, or springsuit for 65°-75°F.

What kind of features should I look for in a wetsuit? There are a number of factors to consider when wetsuit shopping like thickness, silhouette style, seam type, material, and more.

How much does a good women’s wetsuit cost? Wetsuit prices can vary greatly, but a good quality women’s springsuit will probably run in the $100 range, while a steamer could set you back $300-$400.

MORE INFORMATION

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